Miscellanea philo-theologica, or, God, & man A treatise compendiously describing the nature of God in his attributes, with a lively pourtraiture of his wisedome in ordering, and disposing of the celestiall, and terrestriall bodies. Containing much variety of matter ... and apt applications singular for brevity, and perspicuity. By Henry Church.

[Sect. 8] Eighthly, Resolves concerning the earth.

[Quest. 1] HOw can the huge heavy earth hang in the aire upon nothing, and yet stand firme?

[Answ.] The earth is upheld by the mighty power of God, and the nature of all earthy substance poises towards the Center; so it all bending thither, it clings together firme and stable, as a man clenching his fist, his fingers are f••st and steddy.

[Quest. 2] How did the dry-land appeare? Gen.

[Answ.] 1. God made the mountaines to stand up, whereas the earth was plaine before.

2. The waters gathered to one place at Gods com∣mand, so the dry land appeared.

[Quest. 3] Is the earth or the seas the highest?

[Answ.] 1. The earth, for all rivers runne into the sea, because naturally they runne downeward.

2. Were the sea higher, men would saile farre more swift to the Land, than from it.

3. Were the sea higher, then going farre on it with ships, the earth would be the plainer discerned.

4. Men are said to goe downe to the sea in ships. Psal. 107.

[Object.] In Psal. 104 6. the waters stood above the moun∣taines.

[Answ.] It was spoken of the creation, before God separated the earth from the waters.

[Quest. 4] Doth the earth turne round, and the heavens stand still, as one of the Philosophers pleaded?

[Answ.] No, for the Sun runneth his race, Psal. 19. and the earth hath foundations, therefore it standeth fixed. Prov. 8.29. Mich. 6.2.

[Quest. 5] What may we thinke of Archimides of Siracusa, who wa osfopirtion, if there were another globe to place his engine, he could move the earth?

[Answ.] 1. An Ingineere hath some ingredients of madnesse, saith Struther in his observations.

2. The Text saith the contrary. Psal. 104.5.

[Quest. 6] How did the Geographers divide the earth?

[Answ.] Into foure parts: First Affrica, where the Babari∣ans and Ethiopians doe inhabite. Secondly, Asia, which is divided into two parts: Asia major which is parted from Europe by the Scithian river Tanais: Asia mi∣nor, where were the seaven churches St. Iohn writ unto. Revel. 1.11. Thirdly, Europe, divided from Affrica with the Mediterranian sea, and from Asia with the aforesaid river Tanais: England and Scotland are the two greatest Iles which lye North-ward. The fourth is America: first discovered in 1492. by one Christo∣pher Columbus, servant to the King of Castile, and 7. yeares after it was nominated America of Americus vesputius. Here is new Spaine, new England, Virginia, Burmudus.

[Quest. 7] How is it, that wicked men enjoy so much of earth∣ly possessions?

[Answ.] 1. They are Children by creation, Luke 3. ult.

2. They doe some outward services.

3. They are very industruous for these things, being children by creation they have an earthly portion, for outward services they have out outward rewards; their industry and labour is recompenced with terrestriall good things, as the maine they aimed at, and did pursue with their strength and might.

[Quest. 8] Have wicked men a right to earthly thins?

[Answ.] That is given them them they have a right unto. Psal. 115.16. the earth is given to the sonnes of men: To take from a wicked man any of his goods, under a pretence he hath no right to them, or to deny payment of debt for that cause, is phantasticall.

To say he is an usurper, leave that to be des••ided be∣tweene God and him as the case stands betweene us and him: let us give to all men their due, Rom. 13. we may not take a poynt from a Turkes hose on the aforesayd termes; nor deny payment of a debt to him, pleading he is wicked, and hath no right.

[Quest. 9] In what place of the earth was Paradise?

[Answ.] The place is ghessed at, by the names of the Rivers which are mentioned to runne through it; but the deluge of waters in the dayes of Noah, deprived the men on earth of the beauty of it, and when the place is disputed, yet little is concluded.

[Quest. 10] What lessons doth the Earth teach us?

• [Answ.] 1. To be patient: the Earth beares all.
• 2. To be fruitfull: the earth abounds with fruites.
• 3. To be bountifull: the Earth receives all.
• 4. To be constant, the earth is immoueable.

Our patience brings us much inward peace.

Our fruitfulnesse, evidences we have life in us.

Our bounty and doing good, wins others.

Our constancy brings us from duty, to reward.

[Quest. 11] Why have the godly for the most part so small a por∣tion of earthly things.

[Answ.] 1. They enjoy God, which is the best satisfaction.

2. God keepes them short, as Birds wings are clipped that they may not flye from him.

3. They bend their chiefe studdies and endeavours for saving grace, and spirituall riches.

4. God gives portions heere to wicked men, Psal. 17. but he reserves for them an heavenly inheritance.

[Quest. 12] What are the markes of an earthly man?

[Answ.] 1. When he awakes, hee mindes earth.

2. He is over-joyed if he winnes earth.

3. He is over-grieved if he looses earth.

4. He esteemes them the onely wise men that be wise for the earth, to get great estates.

5. Hee opposes the powerfull preaching of the word, and the heavenly minded Christian.

6. He is loath to heare of going from the earth.

7. His delightfull discourse is most forthe earth.

8. He is never wearied in studdying and in labouring for earthly things.

9. Hee is never satisfied, but still desires more.

10. He is unwilling to part with earth, though God and his Conscience, and the poore call for it.

[Quest. 13] How should wee carry ourselves being inhabitants on the earth?

• [Answ.] 1. Labour to be Saints on earth. Psalme 16.3.
• 2. To consider we are strangers on earth. Psa. 119.19

First we should labour to be Saints on earth.

1. By yeelding to the Ministery of the word; which although others are not wrought on, yet the Saints are gathered glued together, and grow up into one body, by the Ministery of the word. Ephe. 4 11.

2. By separating from all grosse sinnes in the act, and from all smaller sinnes in the allowance.

3. By dedicating our selves, and giving our selues to God. 1. Speedily, without delay. 2. Totally, without reservation. 3. Resolutely, agaynst opposition. 4. Con∣stancy, not revolting.

Secondly, as strangers on the earth.

• 1. We should freely acknowledge we be strangers.
• 2. Use this world moderately. 1. Cor. 7. chap. 31.
• 3. Expect some wrongs, no preferments.
• 4. Wee should much praise God, for our comforts here.
• 5. Forget that behind, and endeavour towards that be∣for••. Phil. 3.
• 6. To do good now, Gall. 6.9. be ready to depart. 2. Peter 1.10.11.

For our encouragement in the way.

1. Our Pilgrimage is not long. 2. We have compa∣ny. 3. We shalbe provided for. 4. We have a guide. Psal. 119.105. 5. VVe have attendants. Psalme 91.6. A Heaven to receive us.